By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s senior women’s volleyball team began their 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship campaign on a disappointing note, falling 3-1 to Tunisia on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Nigerian side made an impressive start, taking the opening set 25-18 and looking poised to establish early control. Tunisia, however, responded with greater composure, edging Nigeria 25-23 in the second set before taking the third 25-20 and sealing the comeback with another 25-20 victory in the fourth set.
Nigeria 1–3 Tunisia
25-18, 23-25, 20-25, 20-25
The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a strong response in their remaining Group C fixtures as they battle to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Elsewhere on the opening day, Cameroon defeated Ghana 3-0 in Group C, winning 25-16, 25-20, 25-14.
Hosts and defending champions Kenya also opened their title defence in emphatic fashion, sweeping Zambia 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-11) in Group A.
In Group B, Egypt overwhelmed Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-3, 25-15, 25-15), while Uganda defeated Senegal 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-21).
Group D also produced straight-set victories, with DR Congo beating Burundi 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-16), while Rwanda defeated Algeria 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-16).
Nigeria will now be looking to bounce back in their next Group C encounter and keep their hopes of advancing in the championship alive.
